Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes A.K.Balan inaugurated the observance of the rights awareness day for indigenous people at the Podiyakkala Scheduled Tribe settlement at Vithura on Wednesday. The day marks the tenth anniversary of the United Nations declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People.
The Minister directed the officials concerned to find a solution to various issues faced by the people of the settlement, including scarcity of drinking water, proper roads and mobile towers. Directions were given to install pipes from the natural stream at Palakkode for providing drinking water.
The Minister said that the Government will not allow even a single adivasi to be evicted from their land. Actions will be taken against officials who are involved in such evictions. He said that the focus should be on providing a permanent source of revenue to the people, rather than just doling out benefits. The Government is focussing on bringing the tribal people to the mainstream, even while protecting their indigenous culture and knowledge.
Similar events were held at 4500 different locations in the state.
